Report: Senators open to trading Karlsson ahead of deadline

Erik Karlsson's time as a member of the Ottawa Senators could be near an end, as the team is reportedly open to the idea of trading the captain ahead of the deadline, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.

"The reality is Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion has been, and still is, engaged in some level of trade dialogue for Karlsson with multiple NHL teams, certainly more than a half-dozen," wrote McKenzie.

McKenzie notes that to the best of his knowledge, the team has not received any formal offers for Karlsson, and in conversations about him, Dorion has laid out the defenseman's potential price.

That asking price is reportedly between five and seven pieces, a package that McKenzie says would include "some combination of good, young roster players, top prospects, and first-round picks."

The Senators have reportedly also informed teams that landing Karlsson would require fewer notable pieces if their trade partner took on Bobby Ryan's contract as well.

A deal for Karlsson would be more than just a rental, as the two-time Norris Trophy winner is under contract through next season at a cap hit of $6.5 million.

The 27-year-old is having a down year by his standards, with five goals and 41 points in 53 games this season, but still sits tied for seventh in scoring among all defensemen - and second in scoring for Ottawa, behind forward Mark Stone.